CLASSIC & VINTAGE CAR UPHOLSTERY
Every classic car has a character of its own. At Gigi Auto Upholstery, we restore and retrim classic interiors with respect for their design, materials and the details that make them distinctive.
Restoring a classic car’s interior involves more than replacing worn upholstery.
The shape of a seat, the way a panel fits, the choice of fabric and the treatment of a finishing detail all contribute to the character of the vehicle.
Some owners want to retain as much of the original interior as possible. Others prefer a carefully considered bespoke design.
We approach each project according to the vehicle’s condition and the owner’s intentions, combining traditional upholstery skills with suitable materials and methods.
CLASSIC CAR UPHOLSTERY SERVICES
A classic car’s interior is made up of countless details, each contributing to its character. From complete retrimming to carefully matched repairs, our work focuses on the materials, fit and finishes that bring those details together.
A complete interior retrim brings together the seats, door panels, headlining, carpets and smaller finishing details. Whether the aim is to recreate the original appearance or develop a bespoke interior, we consider how each element works with the rest of the cabin.
The work can involve restoring existing components, replacing worn upholstery and preparing new trim to suit the vehicle’s design and condition.
A convertible hood is an important part of a classic car’s appearance, both when raised and when folded away.
We undertake convertible hood replacement and soft-top upholstery restoration, with attention to the covering, its fit and the finish around the surrounding trim.
Each project begins with an assessment of the existing hood and a discussion about the most suitable approach for the vehicle.
Carpeting plays a significant role in the appearance of a classic interior. The material, colour, fit and finishing details all contribute to the overall result.
We work on replacement and bespoke carpeting, including individually tailored floor coverings for classic restoration projects.
Our Austin 8 restoration included hand-tailored wool carpeting for the cabin, together with matching work in the boot — an example of how carefully fitted carpets can bring an interior together.
For many classic car owners, preserving the vehicle’s original character is central to the restoration.
We can work towards a period-appropriate interior by considering the original design, upholstery style, materials, colours and finishing details.
Where original components can be retained or restored, they provide a valuable starting point. Where replacement is necessary, the aim is to achieve a finish that respects the vehicle’s age and character.
The approach depends on the condition of the interior, the available materials and the owner’s restoration goals.
Not every classic car interior needs a complete restoration.
A damaged seat panel, worn section of upholstery or deteriorated interior trim may be addressed individually, allowing the rest of the cabin to remain largely unchanged.
We assess the affected area and discuss whether a repair, replacement panel or partial retrim is the most appropriate solution.
The objective is to address the problem while respecting the appearance and character of the surrounding interior.
There is no single approach to classic car upholstery.
For some projects, the priority is retaining original components and reproducing a traditional appearance. For others, the owner has a particular colour, material or finish in mind.
The starting point is a conversation about the vehicle, its condition and the result you want to achieve.
We can then discuss which components may be retained, repaired or replaced, and how the finished interior should come together.
A RESTORATION STORY
The Austin 8 is a good example of how a classic interior can be restored while reflecting an owner’s personal vision.
The project involved recovering and preparing original interior components, creating replacement door panels, tailoring wool carpeting for the cabin, and fitting a traditional wool headlining.
The finer details received equal attention: leather-covered sun visors, a hand-stitched steering-wheel covering and matching trim throughout the boot.
The result was a cohesive interior shaped around the character of the car and the owner’s chosen finish.
The aim can be to preserve or reproduce the original style wherever practical. We assess what can be retained and discuss suitable materials and finishes before the work begins.
Please tell us which components you have and what is missing. We can review the project and discuss the upholstery work involved.
Yes. The existing website documents both traditional restoration work and bespoke interiors developed around an owner’s preferences. We can discuss options appropriate to your vehicle.
Yes. The workshop undertakes individual upholstery repairs and retrims alongside larger restoration projects.
Tell us about the car, its current interior and what you would like to achieve. Photographs are a useful starting point.
Discuss Your Project